Big-Budget Sci-Fi Movie Universal Forgot to Release Now Available for Streaming

Remember that big-budget sci-fi movie called Distant from Universal Pictures? You know, the one with Anthony Ramos, Naomi Scott, Kristofer Hivju, and Zachary Quinto? It’s okay if you don’t—it kinda flew under the radar. This sci-fi flick has been floating in space since it was filmed in 2020. But guess what? You can catch it now on Hulu as it quietly beamed its way onto the streaming service on July 3, 2025, with little to no fanfare.

Distant was in production during the pandemic, so they had to follow all the safety protocols like masks, sanitizer, and social distancing. It was supposed to come out on various dates like March 11, 2022, September 16, 2023, and even January 27, 2023, but it kept getting pushed back. It even briefly appeared in Vietnam in 2024. Crazy, right?

The movie revolves around an Asteroid miner named Andy, played by Anthony Ramos, who crashes on an alien planet, leaving him stranded. His only hope is a witty AI survival suit voiced by Zachary Quinto and his communication with Naomi (Naomi Scott) in her escape pod. It’s a race against time to save Andy with an awkward AI by their side.

Even though the movie had a rocky start—it was supposed to have Rachel Brosnahan as Naomi, but she was replaced—the reviews aren’t as bad as the studio thought. Critics say the plot is solid, the visuals are stunning, and the effects are top-notch. The big issue? It’s a bit slow-paced, like a contemplative thriller set in space. It’s not your typical action-packed flick, but it’s got its charm.

Some viewers have praised the film, acknowledging that it’s not perfect but still worth the watch. Compared to some recent duds on other platforms, Distant stands out as a decent, enjoyable sci-fi movie that you can easily catch over a weekend on Hulu. Enjoy—and don’t expect too many explosions!